renovations. Ten years ago this wouldn’t have been such an issue, with scarification being the norm but, since the introduction of the Koro Field Topmaker and fraise mowing as a matter of course, Poa is controlled more effectively improving wear tolerance and surface playability. We have managed to make some savings by undertaking much of the work ourselves, by carrying out scarification, overseeding and hollow coring. When scarifying, I prefer to use a 70/30 rootzone mix as I feel it fills divots and depressions more effectively than sand but, due to cost implications, sand will be used in conjunction with an intense hollow coring programme to increase soil content at the surface. An average renovation would take 600 tonnes of dressing, applied over the whole site. This year this quantity has been reduced to 260 tonnes. The pitches will be mown down to 25mm, verticut/scarified in 3-4 passes using a Sisis quadraplay and vee-mower. Depending on the condition of each pitch they will then either be hollow cored or solid tined to relieve compaction. We hollow core to a depth of 75mm-100mm with a vertical plunge type action machine, recycle the cores back into the pitch surface and ameliorate with topdressing and work until a level-playing surface is achieved. We then vertidrain to relieve deep- seated compaction to a depth of no less than 200mm plus a 10% heave. 6:9:6 NPK preseed fertiliser is applied
within seven days of overseeding, followed by a dressing of sand. Between 40-60 tonnes is applied based on criteria that dictate priority i.e, health and safety of the players, usage levels. Finally we will overseeded with Advanta MM60 at a rate of 35g/m2
using
a combination of disc and dimple seeders. With such a small window of opportunity there is not a lot of room for error. It is usually the weather that dictates the germination and recovery rates of the pitches renovated. Even with the budget cutbacks I am confident that my team and I can achieve good results. I think that the way facilities are used should be a consideration in the FA coaching badges. Pitch rotation, fitness work and goalkeeping are all issues that can be discussed at all levels with the ultimate conclusion being to improve facilities at a national level. However, this can be subjective at professional football clubs, with favourite areas being utilised by the football management team. Working with the FA in this manner could further improve attitudes towards sportsturf management and recognise the importance of the role and results of the groundstaff.” Whilst Paul has concerns about the cutbacks he realises that his experience at the training ground, plus his team’s abilities, will play a key part in pitch management until the club return to the Premiership, where a high level of pitch maintenance is considered a prerequisite of a successful football club.
Specialist areas
Welcome mat
“Even with the budget cutbacks I am confident that my team and I can achieve good results”
When the players have finished the game, our challenge just starts…. C-g
grO2w the advanced pitchcare system
• Foster the growth and quality of the grass by using additional CO2 in a specially designed portable system
• Creates faster recovery from playing damage, higher durability and a better looking pitch
• 10mm per day grass growth all year round • An all season grow system based on a raised CO2
Linde Technology level
as nutrient, additional light, a protective atmosphere (tent) and a warm temperature
IT&C has the solution for the perfect pitch Unit 8, Belvedere Industrial Estate, Fishers Way Kent DA17 6BS
Ice Technology & Coatings
Mobile: +44(0)7785 372 808 Phone: +44(0)20 8983 7676 Fax: +44(0)870 6222117 Email:
snoel@icetechc.com wwww.icetechc.com
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Moreeconomicalthan existinglightingrigs
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